Why it made the cut: With a motor that is 60 percent more powerful than most, the Singer 4423 sewing machine handles thick seams and heavy-duty fabrics such as denim and canvas. Sew through denim ...

The machine made a lockstitch by using a straight, eye-pointed needle and a reciprocating shuttle. The specific patent claims allowed were for: 1) the additional forward motion of the shuttle to ...

'If you're confused about how to thread your sewing machine, remember: The thread should follow a backwards "N" pattern.' 'Make sure the needle is up at its highest point.